Pandemic Preparation
A pandemic flu event is not the same thing as the common annual flu season. Unlike the typical flu, a pandemic flu has the potential to cause widespread illness and even death around the world. Such an event would be expected to overwhelm our health care systems, and to have potentially catastrophic effects on business, commerce and travel on a worldwide level. Because of this, our Government’s health agencies have asked corporations and businesses to make special plans to prepare for a pandemic.
What is a pandemic? Are we at risk?
A pandemic refers to a worldwide outbreak of a new strain of flu virus that infects millions around the world. Because the virus is new, no one has resistance to it, and the disease spreads rapidly. Most research suggests that the source of a new pandemic may likely be a mutated version of a current avian influenza virus, more commonly called “the bird flu.” This avian flu strain, titled the H5N1 virus, is very easily spread by migratory birds to other bird colonies. Although there are reported cases where the virus has crossed from birds to humans, it is very limited. However, this virus continues to evolve. Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded almost 220 cases of Avian flu in humans, and about half of those cases resulted in death.
The last pandemic occurred 38 years ago. During the past 500 years of recorded history, pandemics have occurred three times every century. The longest duration ever to pass between pandemics has been 42 years, so, the odds are that a pandemic event is likely to happen soon.
Potential impact on workforce
It is estimated that around 20% to 60% of our overall workforce will be affected during a pandemic. If a pandemic begins in a community, the illness is predicted to last at least 8 weeks. Businesses in general can expect each employee who contracts the flu to be out of work for at least 2 to 4 weeks. In addition, it is predicted that a significant death rate would result in permanent loss of skilled manpower.
More About Pandemic Awareness
"During the past 500 years of recorded history, pandemics have occurred three times every century."
